Finding a long-term home is never easy which is why we’re going to provide you with some useful resources and tools that will help you find a more permanent place to stay.
Now that you are more familiar with the various cities we have in beautiful BC and what they have to offer, the next step is to find a home. Depending on what works best for you and your family, there are usually two options made available which are either to rent a home or to purchase.
1- Renting a home
Choosing to rent a home has become a more popular option for residents of Vancouver, BC due to the significant costs to purchase a home. Here is some information that you may want to hold before making a decision.
Benefits vs Cons of Choosing to Rent
Benefits
BC has regulations & laws in place to protect you as a tenant (Tenancy Rental Agreement Form) Per month cost is average on lower Maintenance, repairs & damages are the responsibility of the landlord More freedom to move location
Drawbacks:
Leases usually range from a 6-month to 1-year time frame Instability The landlord can impose certain rules/regulations as well as the power to evict you as a tenant
Where to search for Rental Homes:
Craigslist Padmapper Facebook Marketplace Real Estate Websites & Rental Companies - There are various real estate and rental management companies in Vancouver, it is best to search certain areas that you are looking at and do your own research into these companies.
Average Rental Costs
Location, number of rooms, amenities, space, and more will all play a role in how much accommodation will cost. Here is a list of AVERAGE costs of rent in BC, Canada based on the # of bedrooms.
Based on average rates, you will find that accommodation ranges from:
Studio - 3000 CAD 1 Bedroom - 3000 CAD 2 Bedroom - 4500 CAD 3 Bedroom - 6000 CAD
2- Process of renting a home
You’ve decided on the area, your budget, and the amenities that you’re looking for in your future home. Where do you go from here?
contract
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Search listings that match your criteria
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Contact the landlord or the listing based on what is outlined
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Prepare any supporting documents they may request, this includes:
A credit score report/check (If you do not have one available, ask if a foreign one is accepted or if other financial reports are accepted) References (Generally landlords will want a contact that was a previous landlord) Additional information on your job
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Schedule a time to visit the unit
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Submit your official application form & the Tenancy Rental Agreement Form
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Payment - the landlord can request a half-month rent deposit and the 1st month’s deposit
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Set up utilities (if applicable)
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Move-in inspection
3- General tips and advice
It’s okay to question your landlord on the state of the home Research into the regulations around tenancy + landlordship in BC, Canada. As a tenant, there are laws formed to protect you. If a listing seems too good to be true, trust your instinct. Unfortunately, there are a large number of scams that revolve around the housing industry. If you are planning to bring a pet with you, make sure that you look for pet-friendly homes. Certain cities also do not allow landlords to restrict pet ownership as well. You can consider obtaining tenant insurance to protect your personal belongings and provide liability coverage, ensuring peace of mind and financial security in case of unexpected events. Most places do not come furnished, however there are many places to get your furniture from including Ikea, Facebook Marketplace, Costco, and more!
Tenancy Rental Agreement Form
Suggested Prompts
How can tenants effectively verify the legitimacy of rental listings to avoid scams?
What are some key rights and responsibilities tenants have under BC’s tenancy laws?
In what ways might the process of renting differ for international or foreign students compared to local residents?
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